Sunday 30 December 2007

Wild Horses.

Wild Horses, couldn't drag Mick Jagger away in perhaps one of the most beautiful pop songs ever written. Heck, the Sunday's cover at the end of that Buffy ep is pretty beautiful too.

Well, in hindsight, Wild Horses couldn't drag me away from where I am now. As I look back on 2007, the amusingly self-proclaimed 'year of the melon'. I think about where I am now and how whilst it isn't where I imagined I'd be 12 months back it's still pretty awesome.

See I've learnt a lot this year, from a lot of different people, from Eddie and the rugby boys to my family, to the people I've met on this trip to my fellow comic nerds on CBR, I've learnt something from pretty much every single one of you.

Well, this is where I say thank you. And I mean it. I've been to some funny places this year, physically, emotionally and mentally. Without the love, strength and support of you guys I wouldn't be where I am today.

All I can say, I've learnt a lot about myself in 2007. 2008 is the year I try to make a difference to other people. I'm not sure how yet and I'm sure to make some mistakes along the way. See I remember the 80's He-man and the Masters of the Universe. They had a saying 'we don't say good-bye, we say good journey'. And there's a truth in that and I guess to all of you I hope your journey through 2008 takes you where you want to go. If it doesn't then make the most of what's in front of you, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are people who love you and that's pretty much the most important thing and the best feeling there is.

Peace out, happy new year, enjoy 2008, live it like its your last.

XXXX

Karl

Friday 28 December 2007

Uluru

I could just right Wow here because it really was wow.

I could come up with something deep and meaningful about how when we're all gone the big red rock will still be there.

I could be moan the tourists and the ridiculous amount of cash I had to shell out.

Instead, I'm just gonna settle on the memories.

Wow.

Monday 24 December 2007

My farcical Christmas.

So, it's 13:30 here in Sydney, a time when most of the civilised world would be tucking into turkey veges and all the trimmings. Not I for I have just been on one of the most farcical trips of all time.

Yes, Wake Up backpackers thought it would be a good idea to charge a non-refundable $25 for essentially a plate of cold meats and a bus to Bondi beach. Now I wasn't expecting much after last night's equally fucking gash (pardon my language but I'm on a tirade here) boat trip around the harbour. But, I was expecting to be able to drink the BYO booze I'd bought with my own money in the place. Alas no, as apparantly in a minor technical omission, you can't drink ANYWHERE on Bondi on Xmas day and the bacon closed us down. Not that I blame them, they were only doing their job!

So, in the absence of that we had the option of either going on a bus and paying to go to another beach where you could drink. Or go to some wholly undersold rave where oh there's no BYO and pay to enjoy your booze whilst listening to shit house and probably a reasonable amount of reggae.

As is, I'm gonna just Grinch around for the day.

If they don't let me watch Lizzy's speech I'm going medieval though.

Friday 21 December 2007

Woah, long time no blog.

Apologies for the lack of update for a while folks.

I find myself in the warm wet confines of Sydney. Yup, it's raining. I'm not feeling remotely Christmassy either. Although, we did have a whole day of sunshine yesterday and my farmer tan has migrated towards a wife beater tan!

Oh and I'm running. LOTS. Went for a glorious 1 hour run today round the Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Rocks, up some hills, round Darling Harbour, through Chinatown and home (I also passed at least 12 Tabs but sadly not a single drive in off-licence). It hurt a lot. I don't think I've run for more than an hour since the Great North Run over 7 years ago!!!!!

Oh and I've lost nearly two stone. Many are imploring an early return for rugby tour which I am SERIOUSLY considering.

Hopefully I'll start feeling more Chingy today when I go to Sydney's largest open air carol service. If not, I'll probably just get drunk and phone Jenks, whilst singing Fairy Tale of New York to him - it's something of a tradition.

Monday 10 December 2007

Leaving NZ

All I can say is this country has been immense. As I enter my final 24 hrs in the country I find myself back in Christchurch and getting ready for some Priscilla (that's chow to the rest of you bar Mike who probably gets the reference)with some of the people I've met on route.

I went to the Antarctic centre today and feel inspired to read about Scott of the Antarctic, so you all know what to buy me for my birthday!

Wednesday 5 December 2007

Leaving Queenstown

Okay so I'm well into my last 24 hours in Queenstown and what for me has been the highlight of my trip to New Zealand. This town is awesome. For one thing, it's the home of adventure sports. Okay so all I've done here is my bungy and the slightly crazy luge thing but you really can do anything here.

The nightlife by NZ standards is pretty good too. That for me has been the weird thing about NZ - it's so quiet. But I've enjoyed that.

The scenery here is beautiful - there's a reason why it's pretty much NZ's no1 ski destination in the winter. Although I did find Milford Sound a little disappointing. I don't think that's the kind of thing you're allowed to say in public here!

Oh and Fergburgers. Comfortably the greatest burger I've ever eaten. Take that Americanians.

I've also met some truly amazing people here.

This place has rocked.

Next I'm off to Dunedin where the major purpose of my 2 days is to find a bar showing the Hatton fight, then a little place to chill called Lake Tekapo for 2 days and the Christchurch. After which I'm off to Aus, which I'm really looking forward to now. I'm currently reading Bill Bryson's Down Under book and I'm sorry to admit I like it. Bill Bryson is the kind of man I try to hate but, this is the first book of his I've actually bothered to read and it's pretty good.

Peace out.

Melon

Saturday 1 December 2007

Queenstown

This place is pretty crazy.

I've got my bungy jump booked - why for reasons of male ego I feel compelled to do one which is 3 times higher than the one I looked at yesterday I don't know. It's gonna be stoopid. I'm also probably gonna white water raft and go in a jet boat whilst I'm here. It's comfortably gonna be the most expensive leg of the entire world trip but a big part of me doesn't worry about that!

I went to the infamous "The World" bar last night. Gotta say it was a leeetle disappointing. Just full of drunken english 18 year olds called Tarquin and Henry.

Friday 30 November 2007

Franz Josef.

I just climbed a frikkin' glacier. Awesome!

Oh and Kayaking photos up on Facebook. This place has been immense - if pricey! I worry it's only getting worse with Queenstown round the corner!

Wednesday 28 November 2007

If I'm this drunk....

Then oh boy. Poor bus driver. Tomorrow's gonna be nasty.

I should try and update this more really. Tomorrow I head to the Franz Josef glacier. I'm gonna climb up it and stuff. Today I strolled around the tiny touwn of Greymouth, went on a brewery tour and drank booze - a lot of it, with the guy who's supposed to be driving us all to Queenstown. Oh and German girls love the game of Bekark. Whodda thunked it?

Ciao for now.

Saturday 24 November 2007

short update

aka - another bloody amazing view - prepare to be bored one and all upon my return.

In other news - I threw myself out of a plane 2 days ago and today I hit the South Island. C'est l'awesome.

Wednesday 21 November 2007

Rotorua.

In the local brogue, the past two days in Rotorua have been sweet as. Having met my bus (I was the only unmarried boy on it - oh the shame!) Proceeded down to Waitomo where we did some black water rafting (imagine mid 80's Atari game Toobin - in the dark). They also told us about the Maori myth of the Tunnifar which the way our Dutch guides were saying it kept sounding like 'Fanny fart'.

Then yesterday I went zorbing. Awesome. I've got a vid of me basically going 'off piste' despite my recent extreme weightloss which I will post to Farcebook before Chrimbo I promise.

Oh and last night I went to a maori dinner. I was made an honorary chief purely on account of the fact that I played rugby. I didn't mention I'm shite.

Today I'm off to Taupo and weather permitting in the next two days will throw myself out of a perfectly good airplane from 12,000 ft.

Oh and I've discovered the words 'Richie McCaw crying' effectively end any argument. Admittedly they end by you getting punched but its funny nonetheless.

Sunday 18 November 2007

Auckland is such a pleasant place

1. They drive on the right or left hand side of the road.
2. They say please and thank you
3. They have a real national game (even if bottling it is a national art form).
4. It's clean.

That pretty much sums up the differences with LA there.

There are still plenty of fitties walking around!

Friday 16 November 2007

All goes a bit Avid Merrion.

Yes, Hollywood is a confusing place and at some kind of event at some theatre last night, I spotted the following (ranked in order of awesomeness)

The Heroes girls (Ali Larter and the one who it was unacceptable to fancy when she was 6 in remember the titans)

R&B singer Brandy

Mario Lopez - aka AC Slater from saved by the bell

Seal and his stunning wife Heidi Klum

Eva Longoverexposedoria

and some middle aged bints from Britain called the spice girls

and the bloke who played Dawson in Dawson's Creek - it turns out I still want to punch him in the head.

Thursday 15 November 2007

It all went a little Gomez.

Went to Tijuana yesterday full of good intentions. Ended up in bed by 9pm.

If anyone could fill in the blanks for me I'd be grateful.

In other news - I'm off to LA in like half an hour. It's gonna be tough cos San Diego has been absolutely amazing.

Monday 12 November 2007

San Diego Zoo

Is probably the best zoo I've ever been to. That is all - Panda's and Polar Bears.

Oh and I saw a news van. I think I was the only person who found it remotely funny.

In other news, American food has brought on a case of what can only be described as gut rot. There I was hoping I could wait until Thailand for that.

Saturday 10 November 2007

People I've pissed off so far...

1. Half of the New York Fire Department. There was some competition on in Vegas and they're all pretty buff guys. I made the obvious statement that they clearly get that way because they have too much time on their hands. That went well.


2. Some old and I mean old geezer in my last youth hostel who I told to STFU when going on about how America won WWII for us. I thought people like that had all been shot. He was like 80. I would have still laid him out if I hadn't walked away.

3. Most of the boyfriends of Vegas. It's not my fault I'm funnier, better looking and have a quirkier accent than them and their birds all loved me (not literally sadly - coulda gotten messy). It's not my fault that they all insist on wearing baseball caps backwards, 3/4 trousers and bad sportswear is it?

In other news, went to a club last night. The barman bought me a beer when I compared the music selection to that of a shit 70's wedding.

Saw the Grand Canyon today. Pretty big - almost too big to register in some ways.

Tomorrow - the long long drive to San Diego. Wish me luck!

Friday 9 November 2007

Proof of God's existence or Heaven and Hell in the US?

Deep and meaningful title to a blog entry I realise but, it's really the only way I can compare my previous two destinations.

First, there was Yosemite, perhaps the most beautiful place I've ever visited (yes, even more beautiful than the crisp turf of Hatchley Barn on a balmy August afternoon). I spent Wednesday on a 16 mile hike up what is affectionately known as the half dome. This is a tough trail, most of which was closed in winter but I pressed on until about 100 metres from the summit, when I felt myself lose a footing and thought mother wouldn't like me dieing up here, so I turned around (which involved going down stairs on my bum - doh!). But on that whole sunrise - sunset hike I saw maybe six people. It was beautiful and for the first time in as long as I can remember I heard silence. I also answered a personal mystery by finding some bear shit but I guess that's a story for another day. Up there, even a kinda atheist like me found some majesty in the beauty of the place that made me kinda think there might be a God.

Compare that to Vegas, the over blown, flaccid definition of modern America. No disrespect to anyone, I have met before and during this trip some genuinely lovely Americans who have respect for other people and the world around them. Those kinda people however, don't come to Vegas. I have on the other hand seen some awesome mullets and shit haircuts that I'm trying to get photos of for a rather special little facebook album. Having said that, Vegas is fun. In small doses, like an over large Blackpool that takes itself to seriously. I'm glad I've come here but I doubt I'll be rushing back.

That's all for today folks.

Monday 5 November 2007

Day 3 update

So today I did Alcatraz. Wow. Really good, well worth the $20 and one of the most interesting tours I've ever done. Quite moving in places which was a little surprising!

In other news, 3 days in and I'm starting to look like a backpacker. This disturbs me. Today the 'magic trousers' were in 3/4 mode all day, despite it being quite chilly. But, I was wearing the cock of the tour shirt all day so this probably excuses me!

Tomorrow, Yosemite, whilst some would hope for small, moustachioed, rabbit killing cowboys, I'm hoping for some hills.

Oh and may I warn you all before you come here. American canned lager is a joke. It's horrific. 6 'cans' of Coors Light last night and this morning I wake up with a chemical hangover. Can't be a real one given how I actually felt fine ALL last night.

Sunday 4 November 2007

Bicycles - an instruement of the devil?

So I've just peddled 20 miles across the golden gate bridge and to a little town called Tiburon where I got the ferry back. Before I could do this though I peddled through the San Francisco equivalent of the Great north run, which was very random - well, actually it was a half marathon. There was no Garth Crooks, no Sir Jimmy Saville and absolutely no-one dressed up as Mr Blobby. Whilst this disappointed me it didn't surprise me because it was so bloody warm!

Alcatraz is all paid for for tomorrow (both ways before anyone asks). And now I'm off to march around and look at more things to take random, poorly laid out photographs of.

Okay so running on UK time is very bad

Hmm its 5.30 am I'm still on funking UK time.

After a few beers last night watching rugby for girls (american football) with a girl who looked a lot like Jack Bauer's daughter (and was even less accessible). I realised why this city looked so familiar. That's right, Grand Theft sodding auto. Gah.

Anyway. I'm up stupidly early am still struggling with the intricacy of the bunk bed dismount (those of you who were on tour to Amsterdam will remmember that particular delight. And am readyu to spend a day peddling around the city on a bike. My prediction for the day to quote Clubber Lang "pain". Oh and irritatingly the last two minutes of Die Hard 4 were turned off on my flight so we could land. Yippe Kay STFU stewardess.

Saturday 3 November 2007

San Fran - early thoughts

So I've been here for a couple of hours now, and in that time I have concluded:\\

1 - I'm gonna struggle with Youth Hostels

2 - Fisherman's Wharf is a lot like Felixstowe

3 - I've found a sunglasses place like that shitty place in Tower Ramparts. Am I missing something here?

Friday 2 November 2007

Leaving on a jet plane



So it's come to this, I'm sat at work exactly 24 hours away from my flight to San Francisco. Really I just wanted to take the time to say a few words to everyone who's been there for me the past few months and years and to everyone whose support I have valued so strongly.

To the Boys:

Hoppy - Keep control of that budget
Eddie - Avoid those yellow cards
Big Show - Get over that Manbola - and soon!
OG - Please still be drinking in Woodbridge when I get back
Wooders - keep plugging away and keep the boys motivated and in EC1!!!
Ali - Do what you've got to do man. Oh and let me know how you get on with that stuff I sent you on email
Matt Mc - you know what you've gotta do - and I expect to have to work like a Mofo to get my spot back from you come September!

To everyone else from the team - good luck, Saturdays are gonna be horrible for me these next few months!

To the Girls:

Laura - be there when I get back - please!
Milldown K - expect Speedo shots soon!
Bex - not wanting to wish my trip away but Thailand can't come soon enough!
Faye - do what you need to do - I'm always on the end of an email
Becca - see you in Sydney!
Tammie & Kassie - look after the boys for me!

To the CBRians:

Brian M - don't get perma banned
Cayman - Florida/ wherever will come!
Dagger - OMGROFLOROXXORS
Pete - Peace and fucking, yeah?

And to the rest of you - no Messiah Complex spoilers!!!!

Oh and the rest of you, stay classy!

Thursday 1 November 2007

Travel Prep

Arrgh - so much to do it's unbelievable.

Rucksack is packed nearly, money is all in place. Accomodation is booked. But, I've noticed a trend. Insurance, check. Car hire, check. Visas - well, kinda, check.

First, fires in San Diego,
Second - yesterday's earthquakes in San Fransisco.

What else is gonna happen and am I somehow an augur of the Apocalypse?

[token comic reference]I don't mean like Archangel either - cos he was rubbish[/token comic reference]

Thursday 25 October 2007

Dynamo 5 or why should I give this comic another chance?



So after much pimping by fellow CBRians I finally received my copy of the first trade (comprising issues 1-7) of this new series last night.

For those unfamiliar with the premise of the book, Captain Dynamo was the cities greatest protector (think superman archetype) with 5 powers, Telepathy, Flight, Superstrength, Shapeshifting and Laser vision. He was also a little bit of a dirty dog in the sack.

Upon his death (left as a bit of a dangling plot point), his widow seeks out his 5 illigitimate children and ensures that they can carry on his legacy. Each has one of his powers and it's a typical coming of age saga as the 5 kids struggle to work as a team whilst coming to terms with their own issues.

The pros:

There are some unusual power dynamics here - for example, the telepath in the Parkman from heroes role is a bit stupid. He's also a linebacker for his high school football team and wants to give people a bit of biff - that's quite a clever thought out idea. In addition, the seemingly most creative of the team is the bruiser and female.

The art's good, dynamic, striking and clean.

In 7 issues, we get a good feel for the dynamics of the team and Dynamo's widow in the Professor X meets Nick Fury meets Emma Frost role, whilst looking like Dr Leslie from Batman is pretty complex as characters go.

Each story is kinda self-contained

The book has a nice quasi-silver age vibe to it

It's a lot of FUN.

The cons:

I know Image are publishing shorter books these days at $1.99 but, even legislating for that, the book feels short, yet without feeling decompressed. Whilst a lot seems to happen, it doesn't feel particularly deep and is over far too quickly (I have only read it once, very late last night - I should caveat!)

Robert Kirkman writes the forward - I can't stand Kirkman - at least there aren't any zombies in it yet!

There's no sense of peril at any point. For me, one of the most exciting things about new books in recent years (I'm keeping it fairly Marvel Centric here) such as Avengers: The Initiative, New X-men, The Order, X-Statix, Winnickxiles, New Warriors, is that anyone can die. Well, for a new book, it just doesn't have that peril.

Also, is it an all ages book, as it feels, or is it an adult book. To me it feels like it sits uncomfortably in between at the moment.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and will stick with it for another arc. What it did, it did well, but there's no imagination in it beyond the initial premise and no real sense of peril. I think this book can do well but needs to find its feet a little more.

Verdict: I'll give it another trade to pick up.

Wednesday 24 October 2007

Funny - thanks to Becca

Yup it's a slow day

Next time you’re on an elevator and feel a little bored, liven up the moment with some of these insightful ideas. Guaranteed to make heads turn or your money back.
1. When there’s only one other person in the elevator, tap them on the shoulder and then pretend it wasn’t you.
2. Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock. Smile, and go back for more.
3. Call the Psychic Hotline from your cell phone and ask if they know what floor you’re on.
4. Swat at flies that don’t exist.
5. Grimace painfully while smacking your forehead and muttering, “Shut up, all of you, just shut up!”
6. Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside, ask, “Got enough air in there?”
7. Lay down a Twister mat and ask people if they’d like to play.
8. Leave a box in the corner, and when someone gets on, ask them if they hear something ticking.
9. Ask if you can push the button for other people, but push the wrong ones.
10. Pretend you are a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.
11. Stand silently and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
12. Stare, grinning at another passenger for a while, and then announce, “I have new socks on.”
13. Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers, “This is my personal space!”
14. Fart loudly then exclaim “Was that you. There’s no way I could do that one because infuriately mine don’t come out loud.”
15. Before the elevator door opens shout “DING” and then laugh and say “beat you again Mr. Elevator.”
16. Stand really close to someone, sniffing them occasionally.
17. Hire a labrador, wear sunglasses and repeatedly walk into the walls whilst pretending to not hear the other passenger’s direction.
18. Drop a pen and wait until someone reaches to help pick it up, then scream, “that’s mine!”
19. Hold the doors open and say you’re waiting for your friend. After a while, let the doors close and say, “Hi Greg. How’s your day been?”
20. Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce in horror, “You’re one of THEM!” and back away slowly.

Monday 22 October 2007

So, 2 weeks after my last update...

And my comics finally arrived. This is after 3 aggressive phone calls to an incompetent on line sci-fi and comics retailer and constant pleads of ignorance by the semi-literate too thick fucktard who probably couldn't get on a YTS scheme to work anywhere else. Heck, he probably reads and enjoys the Punisher and Shanna the She-devil comics.

Anyway, 203 was excellent. Ramos' art worked (in my mind - if no-one elses!) And it showed the two stars (IMO) of Carey's run, Cannonball and Iceman at their very best.

But, Sinister psychic powers. Gah. I hate this idea (although it has happened elsewhere apparently) and makes him seem like a complete deus ex character.

Oh and in other news, we lost the World Cup final. A shame for sure but, what a run we had in this tournament when it completely wasn't expected.

Monday 15 October 2007

Rugby World Cup - In Jonny we trust.


So, somehow its happened.

We've made another final thanks to the beautiful Jonny Wilkinson.

How, I don't know. I really don't. Having watched every game in this World Cup, we've been at best mediocre and now we're in the final.

In playing South Africa we must be the underdogs. But, ooh that front row.

I've got a bet going with the team that if we win I'm gonna get a Sheridan style fad e and Kimber's gonna shave his head!

Anyway, get yourselves down to the club on Saturday afternoon for what is sure to be an evening to shout about, if nothing else!

Oh and my pirate pubcrawl starts immediately afterwards!

Thursday 11 October 2007

The Last Man - Why oh Y



So I've finally - after incessant pimping by friends discovered this comics gem.

Having found a book token in my wallet yesterday I bought volumes 1 - 3 of this epic, funny, witty, post-modern, brilliant book. One trade in and I'm hooked.

Go buy this today - don't wait for the movie - it'll never do the original justice.

(well it might, but that's not the point).

Tuesday 9 October 2007

About my last post.

My excitement has been scuppered by the royal mail going on strike. One week one and my books still haven't arrived. Arseholes.

Thursday 4 October 2007

Comics Today

So I have like the smallest bundle of comics I can ever remember waiting for me at home!

X-men 203 - Can't wait - loving the direction but I do feel the conclusion to the Blinded by the Light arc is going to be weak and Messiah Complex build up.

Uncanny 491 - see above but replace words "Blinded by the Light" with "The Extremists".

Exiles 99 - its gonna be a car crash but Clayton Henry's on art so that should redeem it slightly.

Wednesday 3 October 2007

Getting Smashed.





Hoah Boy.

The yawnfest piece of Rumbler Fanwank that has been World War Hulk is almost over.

Here's hoping the Golden Guardian of Good smashes the Hulk in the final issue.

However, given that this has so far been the most predictable comic book story of pretty much all time, I'd be willing to bet that the Void comes along and Hulk ends up smashing him and in fact not being a big green murderous scum bag. BORING.

What I'm reading right now.




For some reason work isn't letting me blog from Imageshack. Help people?

Anyway, as is fairly well known. I hate the concept of Marvel Zombies. Mainly because of that comicbook butcher, Robert Kirkman.

But, this book is harrowing, realistic and a very human tale. It's really not a zombie book, they're a plot device. It's an excellent reportage of the best and worst of humanity told from a compelling eye-witness narrative.

Can't recommend this enough.

Friday 28 September 2007

Help me fellow Bloggers, you're my only hope.

Warum ist meine log auf Deutsch?

Help, why is my blog in German?

Yet another dull and tedious Halo 3 update.

I was lied to. It still hasn't arrived. I'm hoping it'll be tonight but there's the dilemma.

Tonight, England v Tonga at the rugby club
Tomorrow I'm playing
Tomorrow night - 10 year school reunion night (which is probably worthy of a whole post in itself - gah its gonna be cringetastic. I might just pretend to be gay.)

When am I ever gonna play this frikkin' thing?

Thursday 27 September 2007

Brubaker and Epting's Captain America

[img]http://nineteenthirtynine.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Capfire.jpg[/img]

So I have finally gotten round to reading the first 25 issues of this run in the glorious omnibus format.

Hoah boy, this is without a doubt the most carefully crafted arc of a comic book I've read for years.

Let's start with the positives (I'm gonna assume everyone's read this so no apologies for spoilers):

The Art - Epting's artwork has been hit and miss for me over the years but here there are clear lines, dynamic action scenes and genuine emotions shown on the faces of the characters (his Sin, is particularly unnerving given just how CUTE she looks)

The Story - Bru's a master storyteller at the moment. I've followed him since his Batman days. His Daredevil is stronger than Bendis' (which in itself was Miller-esque in its goodness) , Immortal Iron Fist is probably the best new book of the past 12 months and Criminal is the best Indie on the shelves right now. I'm reserving judgement on his X-men until Messiah Complex.

But, his Cap just blows us away. He gets Steve Rogers and more importantly, he gets Bucky Barnes (yes, Bucky Barnes - another of the sacred deaths of comics bites the dust) and the dynamic of their relationship. Compare Steve's relationship with Ultimate Cap's relationship with the Wasp - that didn't take long did it. Steve and Sharon's relationship (one-day the Captain America mobile is gonna have one of those gawdy Chav stickers with the names Steve and Sharon on) is believable. Steve feels like a man out of time but, he's so much more. He's a leader. He's torn between his friends and his responsibilities. It's poetry!

His casual use of characters is spot on too. Tony Stark has one appearance in the whole run and it works - he does a more compelling Tony in the build-up to Civil War than pretty much anyone bar the Knauf's have done since. And for the first time in a Marvel book, I get Nick Fury. I've never gotten Nick Fury until reading this book.

He even references his own out of continuity House of M story.

Suffice to say, non-comic reading friends, buy this book. Comic reading friends, buy this book. People who are just casually browsing this blog and don't know me from Adam, buy this book.

That is all.

The Halo 3 Update.

It's arrived.

I'm at work.

I'm busy

I've got training tonight.

Oh and I've ordered the version that MIGHT include scratched disks as standard. This sorry saga nears its conclusion and I still have nothing better to do.

Wednesday 26 September 2007

Halo 3 Rage....

Why oh why oh why has my copy not arrived yet?

This is too much for me to cope with - my entire week was geared around this game arriving. And it still hasn't arrived. I want to punch the nearest postman!!!!

New trainees - a conspiracy?

Okay so we've had new trainees at our firm for about a month now and NO-ONE has seen them without their suit jackets off. This makes no sense to me given that most of us don't even bother with ties and slackers like me tend to not even take the jacket out of the car.

What gives?
  1. Do they all have hives?
  2. Are they all David Icke Illuminati Lizard people set on conquering Cambridge's biggest accountancy firm fromwithin?
  3. Are they Skrulls (comic nerd version of above)
  4. Has nobody told them they can take them off?

Chiropracty is a crock?

Gah. Couldn't train last night. Got my neck and back clicked in and now they hurt more. Argh what figures?

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Lewis Moody is not an International 7!!!!!!

I've been banging on about this for many years now and once again, Grandad Ashton had understood that like every coach ever, he has no understanding of backrow play.

This just irks me. He's a big lumpering lummox who could quite conceivably give away 3 key penalties during the game and kick our sorry arses out of the World Cup a week early.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7010528.stm

Full article courtesy of the BBC news website.

My Travels.

Just so you all know and can stop pestering me this is the very rough itinery:

US - Land

San Fran 3 Nov - 6 Nov
Yosemite 7 Nov - 8 Nov
Vegas 9, 10 Nov
Grand Canyon 11 Nov
San Diego 12-15 Nov
LA 16, 17 Nov

then on to NZ for 4 weeks
Australia for like 2 months
Hong Kong for a week
Thailand for 3 months (going out into Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos).

The Blog on the Tyne is all mine all mine

Random title for a random article.

Anyway, this is my blog.

Essentially this is where I sit and muse during the day, mainly in the mornings when there's jack shit going on on CBR.